A Word from Bob
I shared this thread on X (Twitter) yesterday, and I thought my RPM Ministries readers might find it of interest.
1. A Thread: A thread on the modern biblical counseling movement and “spokespersons,” or, “Who could take up the ‘mantle’ of #BibleCn #BiblicalCounseling leadership now that Jay Adams and David Powlison are with Christ?”
2. Current Context: The modern nouthetic biblical counseling movement has had two primary spokespersons. First, Jay Adams. Second, David Powlison. The question some have rightfully raised is, “Who is the current Jay Adams or David Powlison?” Or, “Who could fill that gap?”
3. Historical Context: It is helpful to recognize that LONG before the “modern” nouthetic counseling movement, the church for 2,000 years was always focused on soul care, one-another ministry, pastoral care/counseling, and what we would today call “biblical counseling.” So, let’s not make Adams or Powlison to be more than they were—leaders of a modern movement.
4. A Preliminary Question: I’d first ask, “Is it even necessary or even best for there to be a primary spokesperson for the ongoing modern biblical counseling movement?” That could easily lead to a 1 Corinthians 3:3-5 worldly mindset of “I am of Paul.” “I am of Apollos.” Or, “I am of Jay Adams.” “I am of David Powlison.” Instead, we need to say, “My counseling approach is of Christ.”
5. The Benefit of Diverse Leadership: It may well be that the diversity in #BibleCn leadership that we now have is “healthier” than when only one primary person is identified as the “leader of the movement.” It is far too easy for one person’s personality, background, training, experience, etc., to formulate a model that becomes a one-size-fits-all.
6. Who Answers the Question? If we were to identify who might fill the gap after Adams and Powlison, the “answer” would depend on the person/group. Folks in ACBC would answer that question differently than folks in CCEF or ABC, etc.
7. Biased Use of Spokespersons: Even when folks do identify one person as a spokesperson, it is easy to “quote mine” (“cherry pick” quotes that support our own view) that person to support one’s own view, rather than allowing that spokesperson’s comprehensive work to speak for themselves.
8. Characteristics: Even more than a specific person, I would be looking for “traits” in #BiblicalCounseling leaders. For a “modern biblical counseling spokesperson,” I would look for characteristics such as:
a.) Biblical wisdom,
b.) Christlike humility,
c.) Academic excellence (fairness, research skills),
d.) Practical counseling/shepherding/equipping experience,
e.) Relational maturity,
f.) Bridge-building mindset with both/and thinking.
g.) Influence: teaching, speaking, writing impact.
9. Prophet or Priest? Of course, someone taking on the mantle of Jay Adams would be quite different from someone taking on the mantle of David Powlison. They were different persons, different personalities, with different tenors and tones. Jay was more of a “prophet” or “prophetic voice.” David was more of a “priest” or “priestly tenor and tone.”
10. What Do You Think?
a.) Does the modern #BibleCn movement even need a new Adams or Powlison?
b.) Does the modern #BibleCn movement already have a new spokesperson like Adams or Powlison?
c.) Who would you say are the men and women who have taken up the mantle of #BiblicalCounseling leadership?
d.) Who would you say are the “new Jay Adams-like” BC leaders today?
e.) Who would you say are the “new David Powlison-like” BC leaders today?
A new generation of Biblical counselors should have a leader from the same era. I’m ready to meaningfully consider whathever the new leaders have to say…
Jay Adams and David Powlison were towering figures in the biblical counseling movement, each contributing significantly to its development and practice. Adams is often credited with founding the modern biblical counseling movement, emphasizing the sufficiency of Scripture for counseling, while Powlison further developed this approach by incorporating a nuanced understanding of the human heart and the complexities of counseling situations. As the movement looks to the future, the next leaders should embody characteristics that honor the legacy of Adams and Powlison while also addressing the evolving needs of the church and society. Here are some key characteristics that would be essential for the next face of the biblical counseling movement:
1. Deep Scriptural Knowledge and Wisdom: In the footsteps of Adams and Powlison, future leaders must possess a deep and nuanced comprehension of Scripture, treating it as both sufficient and authoritative for counseling. This entails more than mere academic proficiency; it calls for a profound, personal wisdom in the application of Scripture across a broad spectrum of life’s challenges. At the heart of this approach is a soul truly surrendered to Jesus, embodying the essence of biblical counsel through a life lived in complete alignment with His teachings and guidance.
2. Compassionate and Empathetic: While unwavering in their convictions, the next generation of leaders must also embody compassion and empathy, with the ability to genuinely accompany those in distress. They must demonstrate deep relational skills, fostering a genuine love and concern for their brothers and sisters in Christ. This goes beyond merely dispensing advice or adopting a “talking head” approach. Instead, they should exhibit Christ-like empathy and humility, reflecting God’s love and patience through their counseling, ensuring that every interaction is steeped in understanding and a heartfelt desire to support others in their journey towards healing.
3. Culturally and Contextually Aware: With the ever-evolving landscape of society, the nature of the challenges encountered by individuals also undergoes transformation. Therefore, it is imperative for upcoming leaders within the biblical counseling sphere to possess a keen awareness of cultural and contextual dynamics. They should demonstrate an adeptness in identifying and addressing the unique issues prevalent within diverse communities and contemporary settings. Moreover, these leaders must be proficient in conveying the love of Christ amidst the intricate challenges that proliferate in our culture today, offering guidance and support that resonate with the heart of the gospel.
4. Integration of Theology and Psychology: Building on Powlison’s legacy, future leaders are encouraged to thoughtfully engage with psychology and the broader social sciences. In doing so, they ought to integrate theological truths with psychological insights, thereby fostering a more holistic approach to counseling. This methodology respects the multifaceted nature of human experiences, while simultaneously ensuring that the centrality and sufficiency of Scripture remain paramount. Such an approach not only honors the complexity of individuals but firmly anchors counseling practices in the unwavering truths of the Bible, offering a balanced and deeply spiritual response to the challenges faced.
5. Commitment to Training and Mentoring: The growth and vitality of the movement hinge not only on the commitment of its leaders to train and mentor the forthcoming generation of counselors but also on a profound penetration into the local church that surpasses current efforts. The emphasis must extend beyond academia to include deeper, more substantive engagement with local church communities. Future leaders must excel in facilitating this connection, ensuring that training encompasses both formal education and practical, hands-on experience. Through a blend of academic learning, practical training, and personal mentorship, these leaders will be tasked with equipping individuals with the requisite skills and wisdom for effective counseling, all while fostering a stronger, more integral bond between the biblical counseling movement and the local church.
6. Strong Ethical and Professional Standards: The next leaders should uphold and promote high ethical and professional standards in counseling. This includes confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the well-being of counselees, ensuring that biblical counseling is both safe and effective.
7. Innovative and Adaptive: With the rise of digital media and technology, future leaders should be innovative and willing to adapt, exploring new platforms and methods for counseling. This could include online counseling, digital resources, and other technologies that can extend the reach and impact of biblical counseling.
8. A Heart for Evangelism and Discipleship: Finally, leaders within this movement must harbor a profound dedication to evangelism and discipleship, acknowledging that the essence of biblical counseling transcends mere problem-solving. It is about shepherding individuals towards a closer relationship with Christ, emphasizing not just the processes and methodologies involved but also spotlighting the unique therapeutic outcomes achievable solely through biblical counseling. This approach necessitates a deep-seated commitment to the Gospel and an ardent desire to witness lives radically transformed by God’s power, showcasing the unparalleled efficacy of biblical counsel in fostering genuine, lasting change.
By embodying these characteristics, the next leaders of the biblical counseling movement can honor the legacy of Jay Adams and David Powlison while also advancing the movement in ways that meet the needs of today’s church and world.
The only person that comes to my mind and meets these qualifications would be Dr. Daniel Berger, Fellowship of Biblical Counselors, and Pastor at Faith Fellowship in Clarence, NY.